[Cowperson]

Did the device explain why the normally ramrod-straight president seemed hunched over during much of the debate?

One of the body language problems he had was leaning over the lecturn, something I commented on during the debate thread.

The problem with the "wired" theory is that Bush was shaking hands with Kerry before the debate and after, as well as mixing with a lot of his enemies in the post-debate scrum on the stage.

I would think wires going to an ear device would have been obvious at that time and amply exposed by his opponents.

In favour of the "wired" theory is all those blank stares, not lasting more than four seconds as RougeUnderoos pointed out, but suggestive of him listening to someone before embarking on a tack. Then again, maybe he's an idiot or at the least, having a bad day.

There's lots you can pin on Bush but this seems highly unlikely.

Cowperson